Nicknamed the City of Light, Paris is an elegant and time-honoured city with a rich cultural history and classic spirit. Everything about France's capital oozes elegance, from its world-famous landmarks and fine dining to those stylish Paris hotels and luxury fashion. Discover iconic artefacts at the Musée du Louvre, enjoy a picnic lunch at Luxembourg Gardens, or fall in love with the city’s moonlit landscape from the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Paris city breaks will take you to a vibrant haven with plenty to explore. Don’t be fooled into thinking this city’s attraction revolves solely around its history – Paris has so much more to offer. From cruising the canals to floating in a hot air balloon over the city’s rooftops, adventure and relaxation await you when you visit this must-see destination.
Things to do
Whether you’re enjoying a romantic getaway with your significant other or a cultural retreat with friends, a trip to Paris caters for one and all. Breaks to Paris mean getting lost in the rich cultural history that the city is so renowned for. From the many museums and monuments scattered across the landscape to the vibrant shopping scene and wealth of restaurants and cafes, Paris’s streets are a maze of wonder and enchantment.
Visit the museums
Paris is home to many magnificent museums which showcase evidence of the city’s illustrious history. Wander down to the Centre Pompidou, where you’ll find the Musée National d’Art Moderne. Globally renowned for its 20th and 21st-century art collections, this museum features iconic artists such as Matisse and Picasso, to name a few.
Join a tour
If you don’t feel like uncovering the secrets of Paris solo, consider joining one of the many guided tours around the city. From gourmet French food walking tours to skip-the-line tours of the Louvre, learn about Paris with in-depth knowledge and information from the experts. And if you don’t fancy exploring by foot, take a ride on one of the hop-on, hop-off buses where you can experience panoramic views of the world’s most romantic city.
World-class attractions
When it comes to attractions in Paris, you’ll be completely spoilt for choice. This wonderful city offers an array of fabulous architecture that enchants visitors from all over the globe.
The Eiffel Tower
It doesn’t get much more iconic than the Eiffel Tower. One of the world’s most famous landmarks, this architectural masterpiece soars to an impressive height of 324 metres.
Climb to the top and witness picturesque panoramas of the city’s outstanding monuments. You’ll snap plenty of pictures from the tower alone. But be sure to save some room on your camera for other picture-perfect spots across the city, like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Montmartre.
Notre Dame
A trip to Notre Dame de Paris will simply take your breath away. This majestic 14th-century cathedral is situated right in the city’s historical and geographical heart. Despite the fire damage from 2019, you can still see most of the cathedral from the outside – including the stunning gothic façade. And you can also visit the archaeological crypt, with the rest of Notre Dame expected to reopen in 2024.
The Louvre
Located on the Right Bank of the Seine, the Louvre stands as the world’s largest museum, home to some of Western civilisation’s most renowned masterpieces. Stroll around at your leisure and witness Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and Veronese’s Les Noces de Cana, among other works.
Romantic reputation
Often referred to as the ‘City of Love’, Paris has a world-renowned reputation for romance – and with good reason. The Seine winds its way through the heart of the city, which gives it an alluring charm. You can stroll along the river and browse the street stalls for one-off buys before crisscrossing the water and stumbling across landmarks like the Champs-Élysées and the Jardins du Trocadéro.
Meander through the alleys and side streets and find a quiet corner in a cosy café or settle down for a candlelit meal for two. Whether you’re exploring the city with a partner or sharing the experience with a cherished friend, the wonder of Paris is sure to capture your heart.
Delicious cuisine
Parisian cuisine is undoubtedly something to savour while you’re in town. Whether you have a set meal in a traditional eatery or push the boat out with an opulent dinner cruise along the river, the food in Paris is sure to delight.
Dinner in Paris means a hearty steak frites or a fresh seafood plate, among other delicious dishes. Book a table at iconic bistro Le Dome in Montparnasse for exquisite seafood menus that will tantalise your tastebuds. And for an appetiser that is sure to impress, give escargot (snails) a try. Typically cooked with chicken stock, garlic butter, or wine, it's a beloved French delicacy celebrated by locals all over the city. For the best in Paris, pay a visit to L’Escargot Montorgueil for an evening of outstanding authentic French cuisine.
Those with a sweet tooth can savour ‘baba au rhum’ after their main meal, a sumptuous sponge cake soaked in rum and filled with raisins and whipped cream. And when you’ve indulged in all you can eat, head out for some cocktails in the Pigalle Quarter before a show at the spectacular Moulin Rouge.
Shopping
As the global centre of fashion and style, Paris is home to a vibrant shopping scene that attracts millions of visitors year after year. From reasonably priced clothing collections at vintage shops to many designer stores, Paris shopping has something to suit every budget.
If you’re a lover of all things designer, head to the Triangle d’Or, where you can dip in and out of some of the most fabulous Haute Couture shops, including Chanel, Prada, and Dior. Or make your way to Boulevard Haussmann, where you can sample Parisian department stores selling everything from gourmet food to designer clothing ranges for men and women.
More City Breaks
Check out our other city breaks guides for more inspo, including: Amsterdam | Budapest | Lisbon | New York | Rome
